Which batteries am I allowed to take with me?
A dry AA(A) battery (type Alkaline, NiMh, NiCd,…) for personal small items such as a pocket torch or a radio are allowed as long as they are inside the device or enclosed in a strong package.
Nowadays most electronic devices are powered by lithium batteries (e.g. laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, medical devices, etc.). Whether a lithium battery can be carried by air or not depends on its configuration and either Watt-hour (Wh) rating (for rechargeable) or Lithium Content (LC) (for non-rechargeable).
The Wh-rating can be found on the battery itself or in the product manual of the item*.
If devices are carried in checked baggage, measures must be taken to protect the device from damage and to prevent unintentional activation; and the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Spare or loose batteries, mobile phone chargers (power bank), spare laptop batteries, external battery packs, electric smoking devices are NOT permitted in checked baggage!
Important: For medical devices, the airline always needs permission, regardless of the type of battery. More information can be found under the heading Baggage - Medical baggage.
Use the following table to determine if your battery is acceptable and to check if you need an approval of the airline:
*To convert Amp-hours (Ah) to Watt-hour (Wh): multiply Ah x Voltage
Spare lithium batteries or powerbanks must be individually protected to prevent short circuit by enclosing them in the original retail packaging or by taping over exposed terminals or by placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch.
Important! For safety reasons, you are not allowed to carry loose lithium batteries (e.g. power banks or spare batteries) in the baggage you check in. Please put them in the personal item you can take on board. This practical overview provides more information about the items you are or are not allowed to carry in our (carry-on) baggage.